Benzodiazepine Addiction

Treating Benzodiazepine Addiction

You live in a society of high-pressure deadlines. It’s plain to see that stresses from family, career, and school are having an increasingly harmful effect on all demographics of American society. Nobody is spared the pressures of modern life; not the young, middle-aged, or elderly. Therefore, prescriptions for treating disorders related to anxiety, panic disorder, and sleep problems are on the rise as well.

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos” as they are referred to on the street, are seen as a common prescription to treat the disorders that can occur as a result of today’s fast-paced lifestyles.  People tend to use them because they work.  Becoming addicted is shockingly easy whether you get the pills from your doctor or off the street.  The surge of dopamine that makes you feel good is irresistible.  “Popping” Xanax becomes a way of life.  As early as 6 months of using you could develop a tolerance and the brain will ask for more to feel good.  

Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax are some of the most commonly prescribed forms of benzos and are often overlooked for their potential for devastation to your quality of life. If you are addicted to these drugs, you can exhibit the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Hostility
• Irritability or increase tension
• Reduced inhibitions
• Confusion
• Amnesia
• Impaired judgment
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Heart Palpitations
• Chest Pressure
• Shaky and muscle tremor

As with most addictive drugs, benzos also have the potential for overdose and even death. Benzos and alcohol form a particularly deadly combination that can cause central nervous system damage and breathing problems that warrant particular awareness and caution.  Blackouts are common, not remembering what you did yesterday or having weeks of not remembering conversations, interactions or whether you did something.

Addiction to benzos is a serious problem. In fact, researchers have now declared that they an addictive power similar to opioids and cannabinoids. Not only that, but many studies find benzos to be even more likely to cause overdose than some of those substances. A recent study showed that they are “associated with the greatest number of early deaths among all the prescription medications tested.

Detoxing off benzodiazepines are serious.  You or a loved one should not detox “cold turkey”.  Seizures are the most common risk of trying to detox by yourself. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction to benzodiazepine and need help, please contact us at Compass Recovery today. We have an elite staff of medical and psychological professionals ready to guide you hand-in-hand through every step of the recovery process: from admission and detox to recovery and renewal. You can live your life free from addiction to benzodiazepines and any other drug. We are here waiting for your call 24x7.